Country Director

Location

• Amman and surrounding areas offer a wide range of opportunities for exploring Jordan’s heritage.
• The team lives in comfortable apartments located near the office, which offer space for privacy.

Starting Date & Initial Contract Details

April 2023. Full time, 24 months.

Role Overview

Oversees all programme and support activities in-country. Representing Medair in all issues relating to the country programme, the Country Director plays a key role in donor relations and manages the country strategy and the project implementation in conjunction with senior field managers.

Project Overview

In response to the ongoing crisis in Syria, Medair’s programme in Jordan is delivering emergency assistance to refugees in non-camp settings and vulnerable host communities in northern Jordan. Projects are in the sectors of Health, Protection and cash transfer and Psychosocial support services.

Our Culture

Key Activity Areas

Leadership and Management

• Design, update and evaluate the country strategy, in conjunction with the relevant senior programme managers and GSO staff. Consider community needs, donor criteria and strategies and an exit strategy in order to facilitate the long-term planning and development of the projects in the country.
• Manage the overall programme and support functions, including reviewing and refining the management structures and overseeing the development and maintenance of operational procedures for individual projects and support functions.
• Analyse humanitarian needs, trends and political developments in the country of operation and the surrounding region in order to anticipate new projects and initiatives.
• Ensure all programme activities and support functions comply with applicable national and international laws and regulations, including in-country registration.

Donor Relations Management

• Develop and maintain contact with the in-country representatives of relevant funding partners (e.g. institutional donors or private donor organisations) in order to secure funding for the country programme.
• Oversee the drafting and presentation of all proposals, operational and financial reports related to the country programme, in collaboration with the relevant Senior Programme Managers and Global Support Office staff.

Communication

• Develop and maintain relationships with authorities, donors, media, other NGOs and embassies with the objective of raising public awareness and identifying funding opportunities and other potential partnerships.
• Ensure that the Global Support Office Communication and Engagement Department receives appropriate material for communication and fund-raising activities.
• Ensure that timely programme reports are updated and submitted to Global Support Office.

Financial Management

• Support the planning and construction of project budgets, in collaboration with relevant senior programme managers and Global Support Office
• Manage the spending within the programme in-line with the approved budgets. Analyse projected cash flow, decide on the timing of major procurements, oversee audits and anticipate where over or under spending may occur and ensure necessary action is taken.
• Ensure sufficient and appropriate controls are in place to prevent fraud and that relevant staff receive the required information and training to minimise the risk of occurrence within the country programme.

Security Management

• Oversee the updating and implementation of country location security plans, guidelines and manuals.
• Ensure appropriate security procedures and awareness are maintained throughout the country programme.
• Take the lead on decision making and contingency planning during security incidents or threats.

Quality Management

• Promote and use the Medair e-library and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed.
• Ensure country programmes are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and CHS standards, WHO recommendations, etc.
• Ensure frequent and appropriate monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and outputs, implementing corrective actions as required.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject.
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written). Ability to speak, or willingness to learn Arabic.

What is the ROC and why is it required?

Experience

• 5 years post-qualification experience in a management position.
• 3 years post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency.
• Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of humanitarian / emergency programmes. Experience in dealing with donors and government officials.
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and HAP Standards and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols.
• Advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills. Good report and proposal writing skills.

All new deploying international staff to Medair’s country programmes (and other roles which require field travel) should be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved COVID vaccine, supported with a COVID vaccination certificate as evidence.